Severity and Cardiac Involvement in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children

Multisystem infammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) occurs secondary to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. A retrospective study, involving 6 tertiary-care centers in Haryana, was conducted to evaluate the clinical features, severity, laboratory fndings, and outcomes of patients with MIS-C. Disease severity was graded (mild/ moderate/severe) and presence of cardiac abnormalities noted. Patients with and without cardiac abnormalities and with and without severe disease were compared. Forty-eight children with MIS-C were included (median age - 9.5 y). Fever (100%), gastrointestinal (83.3%) and mucocutaneous (50%) symptoms were common. Only 16.7% patients had previous history of documented SARS-CoV-2 infection/contact. Severe disease and cardiac abnormalities were seen in 47.9% and 54.2% patients, respectively. NT-proBNP>1286.5 pg/mL and thrombocytopenia (?119500/µL) were signifcant risk factors for severe MIS-C. Forty-fve patients (93.8%) recovered and 3 died. Median hospitalization duration was 7 d (5–9.5). MIS-C must be considered as a possibility in any febrile child, even if a positive epidemiological history is absent. High NT-proBNP and thrombocytopenia are signifcant risk factors for severe MIS-C.

Seroprevalence of Covid-19 infection among healthcare workers: A study from a tertiary care hospital in the National Capital Region of India

BACKGROUND Seroprevalence studies on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can provide information on the target populations for vaccination. We aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence among healthcare workers (HCWs) at our tertiary care institution and to identify parameters that may affect it. METHOD We assessed seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 by the chemiluminescence immunoassay test among 3258 HCW in our hospital and evaluated as per gender, age, their previous Covid-19 diagnosis, role in hospital and type/risk of exposure. RESULTS Of 3258 participants, 46.2% (95% CI 44.4%– 47.9%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies (i.e. IgG ?15 AU/ml). Higher seroprevalence was seen in non-clinical HCWs (50.2%) than in clinical HCWs (41.4%, p=0.0001). Furthermore, people with a history of Covid-19 were found to have significantly higher antibody levels (p=0.0001). Among the HCWs, doctors and nurses had lower relative risk (RR) of acquiring Covid-19 infection (RR=0.82; 95% CI 0.76–0.89) compared to non-clinical HCWs. CONCLUSION Seroprevalence in HCWs at our hospital was 46.2%. Clinical HCWs had lower seroprevalence compared to non-clinical HCWs. Previous history of Covid-19 almost doubled the seropositivity, particularly in those with current infection.

Safety, immunogenicity & effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare workers in a tertiary care hospital

Background & objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant global morbidity and mortality. As the vaccination was rolled out with prioritization on healthcare workers (HCWs), it was desirable to generate evidence on effectiveness of vaccine in prevailing real-life situation for policy planning. The objective of the study was to evaluate the safety, effectiveness and immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccination among HCWs in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This prospective observational study was undertaken on the safety, immunogenicity and effectiveness of the ChAdOx1 nCoV- 19 coronavirus vaccine (Recombinant) during the national vaccine roll out in January-March 2021, in a tertiary care hospital, New Delhi, India. Results: The vaccine was found to be safe, with local pain, fever and headache as the most common adverse events of milder nature which generally lasted for two days. The adverse events following vaccination were lower in the second dose as compared to the first dose. The vaccine was immunogenic, with seropositivity, which was 51 per cent before vaccination, increasing to 77 per cent after single dose and 98 per cent after two doses. Subgroup analysis indicated that those with the past history of COVID-19 attained seropositivity of 98 per cent even with single dose. The incidence of reverse transcription (RT)-PCR positive COVID-19 was significantly lower among vaccinated (11.7%) as compared to unvaccinated (22.2%). Seven cases of moderate COVID-19 needing hospitalization were seen in the unvaccinated and only one such in the vaccinated group. The difference was significant between the fully vaccinated (10.8%) and the partially vaccinated (12.7%). The hazard of COVID-19 infection was higher among male, age >50 yr and clinical role in the hospital. After adjustment for these factors, the hazard of COVID-19 infection among unvaccinated was 2.09 as compared to fully vaccinated. Vaccine effectiveness was 52.2 per cent in HCWs. Interpretation & conclusions: ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 coronavirus vaccine (Recombinant) was safe, immunogenic as well as showed effectiveness against the COVID-19 disease (CTRI/2021/01/030582).

Comparando o efeito da liberação miofascial e técnica de energia muscular no ângulo craniovertebral e cefaleia em pacientes com cefaleia tensional / Comparing the effect of myofascial release and muscle energy technique on craniovertebral angle and headache in tension-type headache patients

INTRODUÇÃO: Cefaleias tensionais podem ser induzidas pela postura da cabeça para frente, e há uma grande quantidade de evidências disponíveis para o manejo de cefaleias crônicas. Os dados corroboram uso de abordagens de terapia manual para gerenciar dores de cabeça do tipo tensional. Devido à postura anterior da cabeça, a região do músculo suboccipital torna-se curta, resultando em aumento da lordose e dor no pescoço. Pacientes com uma postura de cabeça ainda mais para frente têm um ângulo craniovertebral menor, o que, por sua vez, causa cefaleia do tipo tensional. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo é comparar os efeitos da terapia de liberação miofascial (LMF) e da técnica de energia muscular (TEM) com exercícios gerais do pescoço no ângulo crânio-vertebral e na cefaleia em pacientes com cefaleia do tipo tensional. MÉTODOS: No total, 75 indivíduos com cefaleia tensional e sensibilidade muscular suboccipital foram recrutados e randomizados cegamente em três grupos: o grupo LMF, o grupo TEM e o grupo controle (25 indivíduos em cada grupo). Um ângulo pré-crânio vertebral foi obtido por método fotográfico e um questionário de índice de incapacidade pré-cefaleia foi preenchido. O grupo LMF recebeu liberação crânio-basal na região suboccipital com exercícios de pescoço; o grupo TEM recebeu relaxamento pós-isométrico na região suboccipital com exercícios, e o grupo controle recebeu apenas exercícios por 2 semanas. Após duas semanas, o ângulo pós-craniano e o questionário de cefaleia foram coletados e medidos. RESULTADOS: O ângulo crânio-vertebral e o índice de cefaleia mostraram melhora significativa nos grupos TEM e LMF. Não houve diferença significativa quando os grupos TEM e LMF foram comparados. Quando comparados com o grupo controle, tanto o TEM quanto o LMF apresentaram aumento significativo do ângulo crânio-vertebral. Houve melhora significativa no índice de cefaleia após TEM, LMF ou exercício de rotina no pescoço. CONCLUSÃO: Comparado ao grupo controle, o LMF apresenta melhores resultados do que o TEM no ângulo crânio-vertebral e cefaleia.

INTRODUCTION: Tension headaches can be induced by forward head posture, and there is a wealth of evidence available for managing chronic headaches. The data support the use of manual therapy approaches to manage tension-type headaches. Because of the forward head posture, the suboccipital muscle region becomes short, resulting in an increase in lordosis and neck pain. Patients with an even more forward head posture have a smaller craniovertebral angle, which in turn causes tension-type headache. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the effects of Myofascial release therapy (MFR) and Muscle energy technique (MET) with general neck exercises on the craniovertebral angle and headache in tension-type headache patients. METHODS: In total, 75 subjects with tension-type headache and suboccipital muscle tenderness were recruited and randomized blindly into three groups: the MFR group, the MET group, and the control group (25 subjects in each group). A pre-craniovertebral angle was taken by photographic method, and a pre-headache disability index questionnaire was filled in. The MFR group receives cranio-basal release in the suboccipital region with neck exercises, the MET group receives post­isometric relaxation in the suboccipital region with exercises, and the control group receives only exercises for two weeks. After two weeks, the postcranial angle and the headache questionnaire were taken and measured. RESULTS: Craniovertebral angle and headache index showed significant improvement in both the MET and MFR groups. There was no significant difference when MET and MFR groups were compared. When compared with the control group, both MET and MFR showed a significant increase in craniovertebral angle. There was a significant improvement in the headache index following MET, MFR, or routine neck exercise. CONCLUSION: Compared to the control group, MFR shows better results than MET on craniovertebral angle and headache.

Knowledge, attitude and practices regarding smoking amongst young females

Background: Smoking amongst women is increasing in the developing countries like India. There is paucity of data on the knowledge, attitude and practices of smoking amongst females in India. Hence a study was planned to assess the same.Methods: It was a qualitative research using descriptive questionnaire, prepared using the basic protocols available as per WHO Global Adult Tobacco Survey, conducted by self-reporting, from February to March, 2018 in the University Institute of Applied Management Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh. It was administered to 111 females aged 18 to 35 years, residing in Chandigarh.Results: Total22.5% of the female respondents were current smokers. Majority of them belonged to the age group of 26-35years; were either employed or were studying and felt that females resorted to smoking for gaining pleasure and relieving stress. Most of them were aware of passive smoking. Majority felt that people who smoke should quit for their own health and for their families and street plays, public awareness camps, television and cinema halls are important mediums for helping to quit. Will power be found to be most important to help smokers quit. Some quoted the role of nicotine replacement therapy, exercise, individual counseling etc also. Majority of the females started smoking early, at an age of 16-25years, consuming 1-10cigarettes per day and had been smoking since more than a year when interviewed. Smoking was primarily introduced by peers. All the smokers were aware of different types of smoking hazards, most commonly reported as cancer and asthma. 16/25 smokers wanted to quit and 14/16 had tried in the past but were unsuccessful.Conclusions: This study gives an indication of rising smoking trend in females. Smoking cessation measures need to be made more gender-sensitive, targeting females in their early ages.

Comparative study of sFlt-1/Plgf ratio with uterine artery doppler indices in prediction of preeclampsia at 22-24 weeks period of gestation

Background: Hypertensive disorders like pre-eclampsia along with hemorrhage and infection, contributes greatly to maternal morbidity and mortality. Various pro and antiangiogenic factors like sFlt-1 and Plgf have been linked to the etiopathogenesis of placental vascular disease and their combination with uterine artery doppler studies may improve the prediction accuracy. Present study was conducted to analyze sFlt-1/Plgf ratio and uterine artery doppler indices among high risk patients and to compare these in prediction of preeclampsia.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted from September 2017 to February 2019 in which 100 patients giving consent and satisfying inclusion criteria were evaluated for various risk factors and were subjected to sFlt-1/Plgf ratio test and uterine artery doppler study at 22-24 weeks period of gestation. They were followed up and maternal outcome was analysed.Results: Among the cohort of 100 women with high risk factors, 35% of the study participants developed pre-eclampsia. Using sFlt-1/Plgf ratio 40% of them were screened positive for pre-eclampsia. This percentage of screened positive was 40%, 43%, and 53% using uterine artery RI, PI, and SD respectively. sFlt-1/Plgf was found to have a sensitivity of 91.4% and specificity of 87.7%. ROC curve analysis showed highest area under curve (AUC) for sFlt-1/Plgf (0.858).Conclusions: sFlt-1/Plgf ratio was found to be a better predictable biomarker than uterine artery Doppler indices in prediction of pre-eclampsia at 22-24 weeks period of gestation.

A critical review on: Significance of floral homeotic APETALA2 gene in plant system

Flower development is a complex procedure regulated by combinatorial factors, such as transcription factors,peptides, hormones, and small RNAs. One of the important gene determining the floral structure and floral meristem isAPETALA2 (AP2) which belongs to a large family of transcription factors. AP2 contributes stochastically in signalingpathway in flower development and in various bioactive components synthesis. The presence of GbAP2 transcriptsin live fossil Ginkgo biloba leaves and female strobili tissue showed that GbAP2 might be involved directly in leafand female strobili development, whereas it may possible that GbAP2 indirectly involved in synthesis of bioactivecompounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, ginkgolides, and organic acids. Gingko or Ginkgo biloba is among themost popular plant used in United States. Bioactive compounds isolated from the ginkgo plant are thought to exhibitas antioxidant and antiplatelet activity. Due to the pleotropic nature of AP2, it is involved in various tissues such asregulating in floral pattern, stem cell maintenance, floral organ identity, floral meristem, leaves, development of stems,and seed development. AP2 also regulate number of downstream genes but its own expression is negatively regulatedat translational or post-translational levels by miRNA172 which is a small RNA (22 bp) and binds to complementaryregion of AP2 transcript. Mutation in AP2 showed increases in seed size and seed mass, this property of AP2 could beused in medicinal plant to enhance the valuable product. Since AP2 is engaged in various pathways it is essential tocompile the functioning in the form of presented manuscript, which discusses the structure and functioning of AP2.We likewise explain how AP2 involved in various expressions and its regulatory mechanism, especially in the plant.

Conceptual Study Of Formation Of Blood Cells From Tissue Nutritional Laws With Its Clinical Impact- An Ayurvedic Perspective

Rakta Dhatu is the main source for life longevity and survival of human beings. Formation of Rakta Dhatu is a continuous process. The heterologous food after the action of bio-energies (Agni) in digestion phase is converting into homologous form. Agni-bala (strength of bio-energies) are main helping hand for 2nd Dhatu i.e. Rakta Dhatu (blood cells) in the metabolic action of the body. Further the bio-energies works with changing need of the essence part as absorption and metabolism are started so that generation of tissues (Dhatus) occurs smoothly in the body. The Dhatu Siddhanta (tissue forming laws) in which theories of tissue formation and tissue differentiation were mentioned. The Ahara Rasa (Productive essence part) with the help of different bio-energies in different areas in body helps to produce tissues (Dhatus). To understand how the tissues are formed it is necessary here to understand the logics of Ayurvedic concepts or Siddhanta that proves the formation of Dhatu from Ahara Rasa. The modern science explains the formation of blood cells in embryonic stage by the help mesenchymal cells. The applied aspect of this work is to prevent disorders before their manifestations occurs in the human body. Various diseases that occur due to many causative agents are like- food/Ahara or Agni-Bala (strength of bio-energies), getting poor food digestion or metabolism. On the Ahara ground many different type of etio-pathogenis are aroused due to malfunctioned food or due to malabsorption (Dhatuagnivikriti) that may leads to Dhatuagninasana (metabolic dysfunction). To understand deeply we have to go step by step the physiological ground of food digestion, its laws and how the blood tissues are formed from the sciences, applied aspects of Dhatu Nirmana and its vitiated factors.

Iron deficiency and febrile seizures: a retrospective analysis

Background: Febrile seizures (FS) are the commonest cause of seizures in children, with 2-5% of neurologically healthy children experiencing at least 1 episode. Iron deficiency is reported to be one of the most prevalent nutritional problems in the world today, especially in developing countries, with an estimated 46%-66% people affected. Our study is an attempt to clarify the relation between iron deficiency and first febrile seizure.Methods: The present study was a case control study carried from December 2016 till June 2018 in a tertiary care hospital at Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India. The study was done after obtaining approval from Institutional ethical Committee.Results: 77 cases and equal number of controls were included. Males were most commonly affected (>50%) as compared to females in both groups. Highest number of cases and controls were in the age group 0.5 to 1 year group, followed by 1-2 and 2-3 years group. Upper respiratory tract infection was most common etiological factor. Anemia (Hb<11 gm/dl) was seen in in 84% of the cases and 65% of the controls. Serum iron and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) was reduced in cases as compared to controls and this difference was highly statistically significant.Conclusions: Iron deficiency is a modifiable risk factor for first episode of febrile seizures in Indian children of age group 6 months to 5 years its early detection and timely correction may be an important determinant for prevention of febrile seizure in children.

An An Enumerative Study On Garbha-avkranti From Susruta-sharira Wsr To Langman’s Medical Embryology

The Garbhaavkarnti is the stage that describes the process of the growth of cell from intra-uterine life to post natal stage. The Garbhaavkranti mainly deals with the pre-natal life i.e. the foetal period and other related processes. This period is minutely envisioned by Langman’s medical embryology, and in Susurta Sharira we have got more detailed version of pre-natal period. The Garbha-avkranti word signifies the Garbh i.e. zygote and Avkranti or Avatarana i.e. different stages of development of zygote. Garbhaavkranti is a process in which different stages of formation of Garbha is mentioned. Garbha (zygote) is formed from the uniparental inherent cells known as sperm and ovum. There are some special characteristics that combine or fuse together along with 24 other Gunas like Avyakta, Mahana, Ahankara, Prakriti Tatva and Bhava i.e. gene and chromosomes. There is no single way that may lead to the formation of Garbha. Matraja Bhava (maternal inheritance factor) is present in Aartava which further shows the quality of Aagnaya feature i.e. the mitochondria of ovum. The importance of embryology at that time was known by Susruta & the criteria for good progeny & the process by which embryo develops was all known to them in subtle level. It is fascinating to conclude that they knew about all this without the technological advances which are available today. The importance of healthy mother & father in phase of conception is shown in this Garbhavkranti. This gives the idea of unhealthy reasons and gives broad scale treatment for infertility cases. The Garbhaavkranti (embryology) is always a matter of mondo concern to medical field. So, in this article the Susurta Sharira Grabhavkranti is discussed precisely thereby referring to Langman’s medical embryology for testimonial based study.

Local Effect Of Sarsapadi Taila In The Management Of Uncomplicated Osteoarthritis W.s.r To Sandhivata: A Pilot Study

Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) is the most common joint disorder and it mostly affects cartilage. Osteoarthritis (OA) is of two types, primary (idiopathic) and secondary. In idiopathic osteoarthritis, the most common form of the disease, no predisposing factor is apparent. Secondary OA is pathologically indistinguishable from idiopathic OA but is attributable to an underlying cause. The NSAIDs are the main drugs of choice in modern medicine which have lots of side effects and therefore are not safe for long-term therapy. According to Ayurveda OA can be correlated with Sandhivata which is mentioned by Acharya Charak as a sign and symptoms of Sandhigatavata are Shula, Shotha, Stambha, Sparsha-asahyata, Sphutana, Akunchana Prasarana Vedana. The aim of the present study was to see the local effect of Sarsapadi Taila, two times in a day for 30 days. Ingredient of Sarsapadi taila is Sarsap taila, Aadrak and Ajwain. The preparation of Taila was done as mentioned in Sharangdhar Samhita. The ratio of the three components is Kalka (AadraK+ Ajwain) one part, Sneha dravya (Sarsap taila) four parts and Drava (water) should be 16 parts. A pilot study was done in All India institute of Ayurveda hospital. In present study total 25 patients were treated with Sarsapadi Taila which was already taking modern analgesics. After the whole study results were analyzed and tapering the analgesic dose of medicine, there was mild significant changes in the condition of the patients. It is advised to Sarsapadi Taila can be used for the treatment of Sandhivata for a long time.

Levetiracetam versus phenytoin for treatment of convulsive status epilepticus in pediatric population: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Status epilepticus is a major medical and neurological emergency. Despite advances in treatment, it is still associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy of levetiracetam versus phenytoin in treatment of convulsive status epilepticus.Methods: A Randomized control trial, was conducted at tertiary care hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan, over a period of March 2017 to September 2018. Total 250 patients (age group 6 months to 18 years) who were presented with status epilepticus in PICU, were enrolled. These patients were divided into two groups by simple randomization. Levetiracetam was given to one group, while phenytoin was given to another group. Efficacy was decided by cessation of clinical seizure activity within 30 minutes of starting of drug infusion and patient was observed for recurrence of seizure within 24 hours.Results: A total of 250 patients were enrolled in this study. Seizure terminated in 107 patients in phenytoin group (85.6%) and in 114 patients in levetiracetam group (91.2%). The difference was significant. Recurrence of seizure (with in 24 hour) was high in phenytoin group (14.4%) in comparison with levetiracetam group (8.8%). Most common adverse effect in both the groups on treatment was hypotension, though in phenytoin group it was significantly higher than patients on levetiracetam group (7.2% v/v 2.4%).Conclusions: Levetiracetam may be an effective alternative to phenytoin as a second line drug in the management of benzodiazepine resistant convulsive status epilepticus in children.

A rare case of pregnancy in the rudimentary horn of unicornuate uterus (on table diagnosis): a case report

A rudimentary horn with a unicornuate uterus results due to failure of the complete development of one of the Mullerian ducts and incomplete fusion with the contralateral side. Pregnancy in non-communicating rudimentary horn of unicornuate uterus is a rare form of ectopic gestation and it carries grave consequences for mother and the fetus. The most dreaded complication is rupture during pregnancy which can be life threatening to the mother. The continuation of pregnancy is rare till 3rd trimester and usually ruptures in 2nd trimester. The primary strategy of the management is surgical excision of the rudimentary horn. Here is a case of 24year old, gravida1 with unruptured rudimentary horn pregnancy at gestational age 28 weeks diagnosed on table. IOL (induction of labour) was done with misoprostol for fetal demise and later cesarean section done in view of failed induction. Laparotomy was done and dead fetus with placenta delivered followed by excision of the rudimentary horn. The post-operative period was uneventful. This highlights the need   of an increased awareness of this condition especially in developing countries where most pregnancy are unbooked and uninvestigated as in present case.

Clinical Evaluation Of Erand Mooladi Basti In The Management Of Gridhrasi W.s.r. To Sciatica – A Case Study

Background: Large numbers of population suffer from the low back-pain. Prevalence increases linearly from third decade of life on, until the 60 years of age, being more prevalent in woman. Sciatica most commonly occurs when a herniated disk, bone spur on the spine or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) compresses part of the nerve. It is commonly occurs due to the compression of lumbar nerves L4 or L5 or sacral nerves S1, S2 or S3 or by the compression of the sciatic nerve itself. This causes inflammation, pain and often some numbness in the affected leg. Gridhrasi is the one amongst the 80 types of Nanatmaja disorders of Vatavyadhi, It starts from Kati- prishta (pelvic region and Lumbosacral) radiating to Jangha (thigh) and Pada (feet) with impairment of lifting the leg. The gait of the person is very similar to vulture (Gridhra) hence the name is given as Gridharsi. Material and Method: A case controlled clinical study on a known case of Gridharsi has been done in All India Institute of Ayurveda Hospital. The treatment was planned on the basis of principles of Ayurveda mentioned in the context of Gridharsi including Erand-mooladi basti and oral medications. Result: after the whole course of treatment, patient got 70% relief in all sign and symptoms and changes in gait limping gait to normal gait. Conclusion: It can be concluded that Erand-mooladi basti and oral medications is more effective in Gridhrasi management.

Effect of antioxidant on orthodontic bracket bond strength after vital bleaching

The objective of this study is to compare the neutralization effect of various antioxidant agents on the bond strength of composite resins on stainless steel and ceramic brackets immediately bonded to previously bleached teeth. Materials and Methods: One hundred and sixty human maxillary premolars were used for the study. Teeth were divided into four groups (n = 40): Group 1 (control), Group 2 (bleached), Group 3 (sodium ascorbate), and Group 4 (tocopherol acetate). Each group was divided into two subgroups, one was bonded with stainless steel and other with ceramic brackets using 3M Transbond XT. Universal testing machine was used to determine the shear bond strength (SBS). Results: Among the metal brackets, Group 1A had the highest SBS (12.18 + 1.41 MPa) and Group 2A had the least SBS (6.18 + 1.49 MPa). Weibull analysis indicated that bond strength for a 90% probability of failure was highest for Group 1A (13.99 MPa) and lowest for Group 2A (8.49 MPa). For ceramic brackets, Group 1B had the highest SBS (13.80 + 1.69 MPa) and Group 2B had the least SBS (8.05 + 1.85 MPa). Weibull analysis indicated that bond strength for a 90% probability of failure was highest for Group 1B (14.61 MPa) and lowest for Group 2B (8.85MPa). Conclusion: The in vitro study showed that bleaching reduced the SBS significantly, and this could be effectively reversed by the application of antioxidants in both metal and ceramic brackets.

Cloning, characterization and expression analysis of APETALA2 genes of Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.

The APETALA2/Ethylene-Responsive Factor (AP2/ERF) is one of the largest gene families encoding several plant specific transcription factors. It plays significant roles in growth and development process, biotic and abiotic stresses, and responses to hormones. AP2 is a homeotic gene governing floral meristem specification, floral organ determination and floral homeotic gene expression in Arabidopsis. The basic structure of AP2 gene was unchanged during evolution in diploid species. The present study was undertaken to find whether AP2 has undergone any change in structure or expression pattern during evolution of allopolyploid Brassica juncea. We cloned AP2 orthologs and c-DNAs from B. juncea and B. nigra. B. juncea was found to carry three AtAP2 orthologs. Comparison of BjAP2 genes with AP2 orthologs from progenitor species, B. rapa and B. nigra showed that two of the BjAP2 genes were derived from B. rapa and one from B. nigra. BjAP2 genes have retained its characteristic AP2 domain and miR172 complementary sequences. mRNAs originated from three AP2 orthologs were detected in all the tissues examined, namely, leaf, flower buds and seedling, indicating absence of sub-functionalization of AP2 during polyploid evolution. However, one of the B. rapa copies gave alternatively spliced AP2 transcript which lacked the second exon. Consequently, the splice variant could not be translated into functional AP2 protein. Considering that miR172 suppresses translation of AP2 transcripts, the alternatively spliced transcript could still play important regulatory role by limiting the availability of miR172 molecules to bind to functional AP2 transcripts. qRT-PCR analysis of BjAP2 expression in different accessions of B. juncea with contrasting seed size indicated that BjAP2 is not a major determinant of seed size in mustard

Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 cases in sub‑Himalayan region, 2014–2015 India.

Current influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 strain severely involved many parts of the country. The study was conducted to analyze the clinicoepidemiological trend of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 cases from October 2014 to March 2015. Samples processing was done as per the Center for Disease Control guidelines. A total of 333 specimens were processed out of which influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 constituted 24% (81) of total, 5% (18) cases were seasonal influenza A virus strains. Mean age group involved was 49 years with case fatality rate of 20%. Patients died were 63% males and 44% had comorbidities, and among them, 38% patients died within 24 h of hospitalization. The mean age of comorbid patients who died was 59 years; whereas the mean age of patients died having no co‑morbidities was 41 years (P < 0.005). Mortality was seen among 81% (13) of patients who were on ventilator support. Added mortality in specific human group demands continuous surveillance monitoring followed by the detection of mutation, even in susceptible animal population.

Rising concern of nomophobia amongst Indian medical students.

Background: Aims and objectives of current study were to assess the pattern of mobile phone usage and prevalence of nomophobia amongst third year medical students in north India. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted amongst 130 medical students of third year MBBS of Sri Aurobindo institute of medical sciences, Indore. A pre-formed pre-tested questionnaire was used. Data were analyzed statistically by simple proportions. Results: Response rate was 90.76%. Female preponderance (65 females out of 118 respondents) was seen in our study. Most of the students were in the age group of 22-24 years. All of them were having possession of at least one mobile phone with activated internet services in 87% of students. 34% were having two mobile phones, while 4% had more than two mobiles. 61% students had to recharge the internet services once a month, 28% twice a month, while 11% students had to recharge it more than three times a month. 73% of students were nomophobics. 21% of nomophobics experienced rinxiety. 83% of students experienced panic attacks when their mobile phone was misplaced. Headache and lethargy were the commonest side effects that were experienced by 61% of students. Conclusion: Our study gives a brief idea about the woeful outcomes of nomophobia. There is a definite need of further studies in this field.

Ergonomic risk factors and their association with musculoskeletal disorders among Indian dentist: A preliminary study using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment.

Context: Ergonomics is the scientific study of people and their work. The manufacturers typically do not design to accommodate the dimensions of the individual user. Work‑related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have emerged as major health problem among workers in both industrialized and industrially developing countries. Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) was developed to investigate the exposure of the individual workers to risk factors associated with work‑related upper limb disorders. Aims: The assessment of the posture using RULA, which is quick reliable tool to determine the posture, has not been done in the Indian dentist population, indicating the need for the same. Settings and Design: A total of 104 subjects were included from New Delhi/NCR. Subjects and Methods: The procedure was explained, and the questionnaire was distributed and assessment was done using RULA. The MSDs can be recorded using the standard Nordic questionnaire. Statistical Analysis Used: The data were collected from 104 subjects out of the 192 evaluated and was statistically analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The study sample included 70 male and 34 female dentists. The posture of the subjects and the MSDs are not associated with a significant difference as according to Pearson’s Chi‑square test (0.231). Conclusions: RULA can be used as a screening tool for postural risks following a short training session regardless of the assessor’s experience in postural risk assessments.